Senior Club News

March 23, 2012

The Lake Shore Senior Citizens met recently at the Dunkirk Senior Center. President Barbara Barberich led the group in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the singing of "God Bless America."

Inspirational readings entitled "Our Purpose" and "The Truth" were read by Carol Kozlowski. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and accepted by Charlene Hallmark, seconded by Sophia Urbanik. The treasurer's report was read and accepted by Dorothy Sarzyniak, seconded by Sophie Kubasik.

Attendance prizes were won by Barberich, Urbanik and Albertine Jakubowicz.

The group will celebrate spring at a dinner on May 9. Reservations will be accepted at the March 28 meeting. The menu will include a salad, Swiss steak and gravy, mashed potatoes and carrots followed by strawberry shortcake, coffee and tea. This year the dinner will be held at the Kosciuszko Club at 4 p.m.

The president reminded those who ordered flower and vegetable seeds to pick them up in the lobby. She also reminded them about the casino bus trip on Tuesday, April 17. The group will travel to Hamburg, with departure time at 9:30 a.m. Bingo games will be held on Thursday, April 5, and April 19, at 1 p.m. at the center.

"Happy Birthday" was sung to Jean Szot, who celebrated her birthday on March 22. Refreshments were served by Jeanette Niedbalski and Stella Michalak. Helpers of the day were Irene Christopher and Albertine Jakubowicz. The committee for March 28 will be Julian Niedbalski and Patricia Pacos.

Senior Gold Zumba will begin at the center on April 5 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Interested members are encouraged to sign up.

Mayville Senior Citizens

MAYVILLE - Forty-seven members of the Mayville Senior Citizens met at noon on March 15 for lunch. Tables were set by Louise Richir, Dolly Gilbert, Bonnie Johnson and Nancy Peters. Chaplain Dianne Goodrich asked a blessing for the meal and Sandy Anderson called the table numbers. A large variety of casseroles and desserts were enjoyed by all.

President Joyce Ayers called the meeting to order. Goodrich read "What Causes Arthritis," "Cartwheels," and "May You Walk Always in Sunshine," and led the group .in prayer. All rose to salute the flag. Secretary Pro-tem Mary Carlson read the minutes and Treasurer Edna Brown gave her report. Goodwill Chairman Mary Carlson stated that she had sent cards to many.

Trip co-chairs Sandy Anderson and Jean Kelsey reported that all was in readiness for the trip to Lancaster, Pa., to see "Jonah" on March 27. The bus would leave at 6 a.m. All were reminded to sign up early for the day trips in the summer. Flyers were distributed for the Aug. 20-24 trip to Pigeon Forge and Dollywood. Deposits for this trip should be made by May 1. All are welcome to join the Mayville Seniors for this fun-filled trip. Call Anderson at 753-7814 or Kelsey at 753-2663.

Bonnie Johnson announced that there would be a spaghetti dinner at the Mayville VFW on April 1 at 1 p.m. to benefit the Wounded Warriors. The public is invited to attend this fundraiser.

New members Jim and Shirley Burnett were made welcome, as was guest Joy Kurtz.

The door prize was a quart of maple syrup donated by Rex Wilson and it was won by Hank Aldrich.

Program Chair Bill Tornstrom introduced Julius Leone, Director of Chautauqua Counties Emergency Services. Leone spoke about how important it is to be prepared for any disaster, flood, tornado, hurricane or fire. Having emergency supplies and a battery operated radio are important. New York Alert puts out information to the public at no cost. People must subscribe to this service to receive the information. It is also important to provide for pets. All homes should have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. A good inventory of the home is very beneficial in case of loss. Leone showed pictures of local disasters showing how powerful floods and tornadoes are. He answered questions after his talk.

The next meeting of the Mayville Seniors will be on April 5 at noon in the Mayville VFW. Those attending should bring a dish to pass and table service. Former FBI Agent and owner of Jamestown Southern Tier Investigations Matt Hall will speak about crimes and scams against the elderly.

Share and Care Seniors

The Share and Care Board of Directors have planned two spring activities for senior citizens. The first is a casino bus trip to Salamanca on Tuesday, April 17. The cost is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. This includes a $5 food voucher and $25 slot play. The bus leaves from the Home Depot parking lot at 9:30 a.m. and leaves from the casino for home at 4:30 p.m. For reservations, call Rose Cerrie at 679-4386. The bus is filling up fast so interested people are encouraged to call soon.

The other activity is the annual Spring Fling Party to be held on Saturday, April 28 at the Fredonia Beaver Club. A social hour from 3 to 4:30 p.m. includes cards, hors d'oeuvres, music and karaoke (singing). Heather Pawlak is the disc jockey and she has agreed to provide the old time favorite songs that senior citizens love to sing. For those who have forgotten the words, they will be displayed on a TV screen and microphones will be provided for the brave souls who wish to get up and sing. Others can sit back and enjoy the music.

At approximately 5:15 p.m., a catered buffet dinner will be provided by Beavertail Caters. Bingo will follow with 10 games of $5 cash prizes each game. The admission cost to the party is $7 for Share and Care members paid up for 2012 and $10 per person for non-members and guests. Prepaid reservations are due by Friday, April 20. Make checks payable to Share and Care Seniors and mail to P.O. Box 446, Fredonia, NY 14063. For more information, call Cerrie at 679-4386.

Share and Care membership is open to all county residents. People over age 50 are invited to attend functions and join if interested in supporting the organization. Membership can be made at the party or by calling Cerrie at 679-4386. The cost is $5 per year and members are entitled to admission discounts at functions. Share and Care is a New York state certified senior citizen organization, tax deductible and not-for-profit.

Members who have paid for three years and reach the age of 80 are then classified as lifetime members. For more information on Share and Care, call President Dorothea Janczak at 673-1049.

Sheridan Happy Seniors

SHERIDAN - Sheridan Happy Seniors and Forestville Seniors met Friday, March 16, with 54 people at the Sheridan VFW for a corned beef and cabbage dinner.

Arlene Miller presented a prayer before the meal. The tables were decorated nicely with St. Patrick's Day being the theme. Sue Townsend and Enabell Mirando did a fine job. Townsend made cookies for prizes as well.

The Riles and Woolley drawing was won by Pat Smith and Nancy Wilson. Cash prizes were won by several members. The 50/50 was won by Dick Mosier and Jo Wehust and Smith.

A bus trip to Seneca Niagara Casino in Niagara Falls is being planned for Tuesday, March 27. The cost is $1 with $30 to play and $5 toward food. The bus leaves from the old St. Bosco Hall in Sheridan at 8:45 a.m. and will return at 4:30 p.m. For reservations, call Joanne Martin at 934-3458. Those attending will need picture ID.

On March 30, the Sheridan Happy Seniors will meet at 1 p.m. with speaker Fred Johnson of Johnson Estate Winery.

Sinclairville Senior Citizens

SINCLAIRVILLE - With bright green table coverings and matching festive decorations provided by Diane Shaw, the Sinclairville Senior Citizens met at the Sinclairville Firehall Community Dining room for their monthly meeting for March. Dishes of food were brought by the members attending and to add to the variety of food, Diman Smith cooked a corned beef and cabbage, which was enjoyed by all.

President Elaine Palmer-Titus opened the meeting with a special blessing, expressing thanks for the beautiful day, the fellowship of the people and the food provided by all. A fine lunch was enjoyed by all.

Following the lunch, guest speaker Matthew Hall, Rotary member and of the Southern Tier Investigations spoke to the group. His presentation was in the form of a game, telling answers and people would guess the question. Particular attention of Hall's speech was towards some of the more common problems which have been cropping up on the computer, and what people should be aware of when using their computer. The speaker, which was given a round of applause, had been introduced by Rotary member Marna Terry Wolaver.

Bill Wittenbrook was in charge of drawings and prizes. Recipients included Louisa Smith, Marge McIntyre, Laura Turzillo, Jim and Fran Odell, Norvale Martin-Gane, Elaine Palmer-Titus, Diman Smith, Diane Shaw, Claudia Wittenbrook and John and Susan Sipos. Minutes of the previous meeting were ready by Secretary John Sipos, and the financial report was presented by treasurer Claudia Wittenbrook. Titus led all in the Lord's Prayer and Secretary Sipos led all in the Pledge of Allegiance, with particular attention being given to where the commas are located in the pledge.

Discussions of old times were held including those who won in grade school spelling contests. Philip Newton said he was a spelling contest winner in the fourth grade, Titus said she was a spelling contest winner in the fifth grade, Nellie Sharp said she won a dictionary for being a spelling contest winner, and Roberta Barber said she also was a recipient of a dictionary in grade school spelling. Allene Newton said she was spelling contest winner in the seventh and eighth grades.

The Sinclairville Soldiers Monument has been an ongoing project for many years in the Cassadaga Valley area, and Diman Smith gave a report of the progress of the statue. Funds still need to be raised, he said, and the statue is due to be here by this Memorial Day. Donations are still being accepted said Smith.

The next luncheon meeting will be on Tuesday, April 10, in the Sinclairville Firehall Community Dining room at noon. Those attending are asked to bring a dish of food to pass and their own table settings. Marge McIntyre and Claudia Wittenbrook will take charge of the table decorations. The program will be the annual fun auction. Items to be auctioned should be brought to the meeting. The Sinclairville Senior Citizens meet once a month for a luncheon and program, and new members are always welcome.

Silver Creek Seniors

SILVER CREEK - President Ed Newman opened the meeting and meal on Tuesday, March 13, with 26 in attendance reciting the pledge to the flag and singing "God Bless America." Chaplain Irene Conny presented a prayer "Let God's Love Shine Through." The tables were gayly decorated for the St. Patrick's Day celebration. Each member received a St. Patrick's Day shamrock to apply on their shoulder.

A ham and cabbage dinner was enjoyed, after which a meeting was held. The secretary read the minutes and it was approved by Milt Griewisch. It was good to see Dorothy Miniri back after an illness. The Suskis' neighbor Tony came, also Fred and Shirley Sikorski were guests.

Joanne Martin announced a bus trip to Niagara Casino will be Tuesday, March 27. See her for reservations. A railing is needed in the men's restroom. Members voted to get one. Several won cash and gift prizes. Ernie Hilliker called Bingo.

The group was invited to play Bingo at St. Columban's on March 20.

Herbert Star Apartments

A St. Patrick's Day dinner was held at the Herbert Star Apartments in Brocton on Sunday, March 18.

About 30 residents gathered in the dining room of the Star Apartment building at 5 p.m. to enjoy a traditional holiday dinner of corned beef, ham, cabbage, onions, potatoes and carrots. The dinner was complete with lime green punch and green key lime pie.

Lucille Olsen stayed with tradition of doing the majority of the dinner preparations. Olsen cooked the corned beef and Barb and Ron Delcamp, her daughter and son-in-law, assisted with slicing the corned beef and ham. Olsen also prepared the vegetables.

Site Manager Kathy Peters and Sue Rees kept a watchful eye on all the cookers throughout the day while decorating the room and setting up the festive tables and making green punch. Kate Cochran and Joyce Baker made the key lime pies.

The dinner was funded in part by the Herbert Star Memorial Fund and the generous donations of many residents.

Jane Anderson was a special guest. Anderson became a dear friend to residents when she was the former service coordinator.

Plans are now under way for an Easter dinner celebration.

Westfield Senior Citizens

WESTFIELD - The March meeting of the Westfield Senior Citizens was held at the YWCA. A pot-luck lunch was enjoyed by all.

Jane Morris and Jennifer Ellman from the Chautauqua County Office for the Aging were the speakers. Morris talked about the various forms of elder abuse to watch out for. Some are self-neglect, neglect or mistreatment by a caregiver, psychological (verbal) abuse, sexual and very common by family members, financial. Ellman discussed having a health care proxy and a power of attorney in place. She also told of many scams targeting seniors. They handed out helpful pamphlets about how to avoid scams in financial exploitation by family members and friends. These pamphlets are available at the OFA.

The meeting was called to order by President Shirley Kolpien. Chaplain Joyce Wainwright read a poem called "Friendship's Path" written by Clay Harrison.

New members Nancy Sanick and Carleton Stetson were welcomed. The 50/50 was won by Betty Reid and the door prize by Nancy Sanick.

Happy birthday was wished to Pat Smith, Jean Stebell, Kolpien, Enid Beadle and Gladys Hess. Get well cards were sent to Ang Gervasi and Ralph Wakeley. The Yeaneys were sent a sympathy card.

A boat ride is scheduled for July 12 on the Chautauqua Belle. Interested parties must make a reservation by the June meeting to either Kolpien or Dolores Kaufman. The bag lunch picnic will be at 4 p.m. and the boat ride at 5 p.m.

The April 12 meeting will be at 6 p.m. at the YWCA. The Westfield's Women's Organization will provide the dinner. No table service is required. The program will be presented by Patrolman Cummings on the subject of identity theft.

New members are always welcome. Call Kolpien if interested at 326-3576.

50-Plus Seniors

COLLINS - This will be a busy week for the 50-Plus Seniors as special events include a Soup and Sandwich Lunch on Tuesday, a limousine ride Wednesday to the Timberlodge Restaurant at Arrowhead Golf Club in Akron for a buffet lunch and show that includes a tribute to "Young" Elvis and Dean Martin, and a Community Service afternoon on Friday.

Reservations for the soup and sandwich lunch must be made no later than Monday at noon by calling 532-2507. Menu includes chicken and rice soup, tuna sandwich, dessert and beverages. Cost is $2.50 per person. A sign-up sheet is also available in the senior room during program hours.

Wednesday afternoon Crafts with Pat has been canceled due to the limo trip.

Indoor walking and exercises led by Pat Tucker will be held Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m. in the gym. An informal euchre game is at 1 p.m. Monday in the senior room. A soup and sandwich lunch will be held Tuesday at noon in the senior room. Gentle arthritis exercises are Tuesday/Thursday at 10 a.m. in the gym. On Wednesday, senior bowling is at 1 p.m. at K & L Lanes in Gowanda, and Quilting with Florence is from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Community Room at Collins Public Library. For more information call Florence Reynolds, 532-3075. On Friday, the community service project, will be held at 1 p.m. in the senior room. The work project will be a continuation of Easter and Christmas projects begun previously. Volunteers are needed to assist in finishing items for residents of nursing and assisted living homes.

There are still vacancies for bus trips to the Station Dinner Theater, Erie, Pa., on Sunday, July 29, and the Bisons Baseball Game Aug. 16 at Coca Cola Field in Buffalo. Also there are a few vacancies for the June 6-8 trip to see the new production "Jonah" at the Millennium Theatre in Lancaster, Pa. For more information, call Joan Byrne, senior program coordinator, at 532-2507.

The next AARP Driving Class at the L. K. Painter Community Center will be on Tuesday, April 24. Pre-registration is required and can be made by calling 532-2507.

Collins Center Seniors

COLLINS CENTER - The next meeting for the Collins Center Seniors will be Monday at the Gowanda American Legion with a pot-luck lunch at noon followed by a short meeting. Two new and different trips for August will be introduced.

Passengers are reminded that the motor coach for the trip to "Finnegan's Farewell" with a visit to the Made in America Store will depart from the parking lot behind the stores on Main Street in Gowanda at 11:30 a.m. Sunday.

A few seats are available for the Amish Tea Party trip to Middlefield, Ohio, on April 18.

The trip to Gettysburg and Lancaster, Pa., April 29-May 2 is full.

The seniors are going to see "The Rat Pack Show" at the Seneca Allegany Casino on May 20.

On June 19, the group will head to the Riverside Inn Cambridge Springs, Pa., for lunch and to see an updated, faster-paced and funnier version of Neil Simon's "The Odd Couple." Trip-goers will also stop at Karen's Angel's Gift Shop & Coffee Bar. The final stop for the day will be Finney's Chocolates.

A few seats are available and non-members are welcome on the mystery tour on July 2. Participants will not be told the destination; call trip organizers for clues. Lunch is included.

Seats are available and non-members are welcome on the July 31 trip to Auburn's Spring Side Inn and the nearby Merry Go Round Playhouse to see "My Fair Lady."

Due to an overwhelming response to the Ride The Rails West Virginia trip Oct.1-3, a second motor coach will be added if enough people are interested.

Bobby Vinton will be performing one day only at the Gale Center in Niagara Falls, Canada, on Nov. 26. Following the matinee show, the group will enjoy dinner and tour through the annual Festival of Lights Holiday Displays.

To sign up or for more information, contact Irene Pfeifer at 532-4268 or Bridget Farner at 532-9586. Make checks payable to Collins Center Seniors, 13851 Quaker St., Collins, NY 14034.